Most Outstanding Wrestler: Roger Wildmo, Durand (2011)
There has been no shortage of elite D3 talent over the past 5 years, but the only wrestler to earn Michigan Grappler’s prestigious Wrestler of The Year award is Wildmo. As a senior he won 3 of the toughest Folkstyle events in the country for high school wrestlers, earning preseason national title at the Super 32 Challenge and Grappler Fall Classic followed by a postseason national title at Flonationals. During the scholastic season he went 59-0, claiming his 3rd consecutive title and finishing his storied career with a record of 230-2.
103lbs: Kanen Storr, Leslie (2013)
As a freshman Storr ran the table, accruing a record of 58-0 en route to a state championship. Among the many highlights of his season came when he moved up to 112lbs and majored Ken Dittenber of Carson City Crystal, the D4 state champion at that weight. Storr finished the season with a #2 ranking in the Power 15, and the followed up with a 4th place finish at Cadet Folkstyle Nationals.
112lbs: Devin Schroder, Grand Rapids CC (2013)
Schroder’s debut season was one of the most impressive to date. As a freshman he went unbeaten with a record of 53-0, claiming his first state title in dominant fashion with a major decision over Alex Martinez of Ida in the finals. Schroder finished the season ranked #2 in the Power 15, and was also recognized as the state’s #1 wrestler in the class of 2016 (a title which he has yet to relinquish).
119lbs: Nick Smith, Ida (2010)
As a senior Smith won his third consecutive state championship, capping one of the best careers of any D3 wrestler in recent memory. He ended the season with a record of 38-1, losing only to Joe Rendina of Dundee in a match where Smith moved all the way up to 130lbs. His efforts earned him a #2 ranking in the postseason Power 15, and Smith then put an exclamation point on his prep career by earning All-American honors with a 5th place finish Flonationals.
125lbs: Zack Cooper, Whitehall (2013)
Cooper’s career ended in dominant fashion as he dominated his way through the state tournament to claim a third consecutive title. He finished the year with a record of 55-1 and a #2 ranking in the Power 15.
130lbs: Joe Rendina, Dundee (2011)
Rendina was absolutely lights out as a senior, posting an unbeaten record of 51-0 to win his second consecutive state title. One of the many highlights of his season came at the Goodrich Tournament of Champions where Rendina won Most Outstanding Wrestler honors and became one of a select few 4X champions in the event’s storied history. He made the Dream Team with a #1 ranking in the postseason Power 15, and also earned All-American honors at NHSCA Senior Nationals.
135lbs: Ryen Nieman, Bullock Creek (2010)
While Wildmo was very deserving of Outstanding Wrestler honors, one could just as easily make a case for Nieman. Competing at his final state tournament, Nieman recorded 3 falls and a tech to win his third consecutive title and finish the season with a record of 59-0. He was then ranked #1 in the postseason Power 15, and went on to win an NHSCA Senior National championship.
140lbs: Zehlin Storr, Leslie (2014)
Storr finished his career in style, posting a record of 59-0 en route to his second consecutive state title and undefeated season. He also earned a trio of national titles, winning gold at the GFC and USAW Preseason Nationals in the fall, and then USAW Postseason Nationals in the spring. Storr was ranked #3 in the postseason Power 15 behind 4X state champ Zac Hall of St Johns and 3X state champ Cole Weaver of Hudson.
145lbs: Kyle Simaz, Allegan (2014)
Simaz absolutely tore through the state tournament as senior, recording 2 falls, a tech, and a major to become a 2X state champion and 4X state finalist. He finished the season at 61-1 with his only loss coming against 4X state champion Zac Hall of St Johns. Additionally, Simaz, who finished the season #1 in the Power 15, dominated his way to his fourth consecutive title at the prestigious DCC invite.
152lbs: Devin Skatzka, Richmond (2014)
As a junior Skatzka won his third consecutive state championship with one of the most dominant performances in MHSAA history. He was absolutely untouched at the state tournament, pinning all 4 of his opponents in the first period to spend a total of 3:52 on the mat. Skatzka, who finished the year with a record of 40-3, was ranked #3 in the postseason Power 15 and went on to finish 3rd at Flonationals.
160lbs: Lelund Weatherspoon, Napoleon (2012)
After winning a D4 state championship as a junior Weatherspoon moved up to D3 for his senior season and was equally dominant en route to another title. He finished the year ranked #2 in the Power 15 with a 49-1 record, and his lone loss came against 2X D2 state champ Jordan Wohlfert in a 2OT finals match at the Goodrich Tournament of Champions.
171lbs: Dillon Francisco, Comstock Park (2012)
Always a strong competitor, Francisco broke out and achieved superstar status as a senior. He claimed his first state title in dominant fashion, recording 2 falls, a decision, and an 11-0 major in the finals. Francisco, who finished the year at 52-1, was ranked #6 in the postseason Power 15.
189lbs: Justin Heiserman, Dundee (2011)
One of the most dominant upperweights through the first half of the 2010’s, Heiserman’s senior season was one for the books. The 2X state champ and 3X finalist finished the season ranked #2 in the Power 15 with a record of 55-0, and then went on to earn All-American honors at NHSCA Senior Nationals.
215lbs: Gage Hutchison, Buchanan (2013)
As a senior Hutchison was among the state’s most dominant wrestlers, amassing a record of 56-0 en route to his second consecutive state title and undefeated season. Hutchsion also achieved a high degree of national success, winning his second consecutive preseason national title at the GFC to kick off his final high school season. He finished the year #1 in the Power 15 to earn a spot on the Dream Team.
285lbs: Ryan Steverson, Lakewood (2010)
In his final prep season Steverson put together a great state tournament, recording 2 falls followed by 2 1-point decisions to win his first state title. He finished the year ranked #2 in the Power 15 with a spotless record of 53-0.
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Curby graduated in 2010 but was injured I believe the whole season that year and didn't compete in the post season. So all of his results would be outside this half decade.
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why not Curby at 171? just curious, he beat fate, march, and rizgallah, on his way to a state title, and was a fargo all-american, and finalist.
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Curby is outside the half decade i believe.
like these half decade post. just curious, why choose Fransisco or Groeneveld?
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